AFTER a lean spell to the start of the salmon season for the January openers, the situation improved somewhat at the end of February. Dismal weather, with high water levels, low angling pressure and lack of fish in rivers resulted in poor catches.
Take, for example, the River Drowes. Up and running since January 1st, it is usually a safe bet to have the first salmon of the season, even on opening day. This year, however, only one fish was recorded in January and just one in February up to Valentine’s Day. A first for the fishery on both counts.
However, the river experienced its first decent run in late February with 10 salmon. “More in line for the time of year,” says fisheries owner Shane Gallagher. See drowesfishery@gmail.com.
Dirty water
After a week of high, dirty water on the Blackwater Lodge Fishery, the river came down briefly last Sunday to below a metre. There were five rods out and two fish were caught. David Jackson from Kent, England, had one of 7lb and Lawrence Fitzpatrick from Lower Kilmurry, took the second of 5.3lb. For bookings; email Ian at info@ireland-salmon-fishing.net.
Currane quiet
Very few anglers have ventured out on Currane in Waterville, Co Kerry, since opening day on January 17th, resulting in just three salmon trolling, two of which were hatchery fish. “Patrick’s Day heralds the real start to the season for most of our gillies and anglers,” according to top gillie Neil O’Shea.
Delphi delight
In contrast, February was an excellent month at Delphi Lodge in Connemara with 12 fish, making it the most successful month since 2001. The highlight of catches fell to Delphi’s own Mick Wade for a beautiful fish of 10lb 14oz from the Whin Pool on a Delphi Collie pattern.
“After a great February, here’s hoping the rest of the season continues in the same vein,” says David McEvoy. See info@delphilodge.ie).
Clifden conviction
At a recent sitting of Clifden District Court, Judge Mary Fahy convicted a fish-farm company for damage caused to the bed of a river in Co Galway.
The company had built a dam across the Bunowen River, which flows into Killary Harbour, in order to pump freshwater to an offshore fish-farm cage. Significant damage was caused to the river – a spawning and nursery habitat – and the dam impeded the passage of fish.
Judge Fahy said protection of fish habitat was very important, but acknowledged that the company had been co-operative and removed the dam.
She fined the company €500, with €500 costs.
Thatched fishing lodge
Bass angling guide John Quinlan is offering two days guiding and three nights’ full board in his thatch cottage fishing lodge in Cahersiveen, Co Kerry, from March to mid-May with local transport included. Further details at 066-947 4721.
Aquatic wildlife course
Ken Whelan’s learning course
The Freshwater Detective
, will be held later this month at the Limerick Institute of Technology campus in Clonmel and neighbouring rivers and streams. The course is designed to accommodate those with an interest in aquatic wildlife.
“It’s a great privilege for me to gather together a group of keen local naturalists, to share with them my knowledge of the area and to learn about their experiences in observing these unique waterways,” Whelan says. The course is a mixture of class time and field trips.
Scheduled dates are March 20th,21st and 27th, 28th and will include a Friday evening (6-9pm) and Saturdays (9-4pm).
Seamus Hoyne, head of Flexible Learning at Limerick Institute, adds: “With assistance of the local angling clubs, Ken has located some stunning sites for his field programme on the River Suir and its tributaries.”
See FLTipperary@lit.ie or call 0504 28112 for details
angling@irishtimes.com
